Syntic Desktop won’t open or sign in
Syntic Desktop is not publicly released yet, so these fixes apply to test versions. Most problems come from a copy that is already running, the browser step of sign-in not finishing, or security software blocking the app.
If you are not part of the Syntic Desktop test, there is nothing to install yet. See Get started with Syntic Desktop.
The app won’t open
| What you see | What to do |
|---|---|
| A message that another Syntic Desktop instance is running | A copy is already open, perhaps hidden. On Windows, check the system tray; on macOS, check the Dock. Use that window, or quit it and start again. |
| ”Syntic Desktop is unavailable” | The app could not start. Restart your computer and try again. The message shows the path of a diagnostic report; attach that file when you contact support. |
| ”Update to continue” / “This version is no longer supported” | Install the newest version. Choose the download option the message offers. |
| Windows installer: “Syntic Desktop is running. Quit it from the system tray and try again.” | Right-click the Syntic icon in the system tray, quit, then run the installer again. |
| Windows installer mentions that security software may have blocked a file | Your antivirus held back part of the install. Allow Syntic Desktop in your security software and run the installer again. |
Sign-in does not finish
| What you see | What to do |
|---|---|
| The browser did not open | Choose Copy sign-in link and paste it into your browser. |
| ”Sign in timed out” | The browser step took too long. Choose Sign in again and finish the steps in the browser, including Authorize. |
| ”Could not complete sign in. Please try again.” | Choose Sign in again. If it keeps failing, try another browser or turn off browser extensions for the sign-in. |
| The browser says “Sign-in didn’t finish” | Return to Syntic Desktop and start sign-in again. |
| The browser shows the wrong account | Choose Switch account on the authorize page before choosing Authorize. |
| ”You’re signed out. Sign in to Syntic to continue.” | Your sign-in ended, for example after signing out on another device. Choose Sign in. |
For problems with the account itself, such as a missing code email or two-step verification, see Can’t sign in.
Code is locked
“Code needs a paid plan” means the Code workspace needs a paid Syntic plan. Choose Upgrade to unlock Code. See Plans and limits in Syntic Desktop.
Microphone does not work
If voice mode says “Can’t use the microphone. Allow Syntic Desktop to use it in System Settings.”, open System Settings › Privacy & Security › Microphone on your Mac and turn on Syntic Desktop.
Where logs are kept
On macOS, crash reports are saved in the Syntic Desktop folder inside your user Library/Logs folder. On any system, if the app showed a diagnostic report path in an error, that is the file to send. Attach it when you contact support, after checking it does not contain anything private.